Kathua | : Deputy Commissioner Kathua Rajesh Sharma Tuesday chaired a meeting of officers of line departments to review the arrangements put in place for the smooth celebration of Diwali- the festival of lights. The meeting was held in the VC Room of the DC Office Complex.
The DC directed the JPDCL and Jal Shakti departments to ensure uninterrupted power and drinking water supply during the festive days. He instructed the Fire and Emergency Services Department to station fire tenders at identified locations to meet any eventuality, besides maintaining full readiness across the district.
The ADCs and SDMs were directed to ensure that the sale of firecrackers is carried out only by the licensed vendors, strictly at the identified locations and in accordance with laid down safety protocols.
The Deputy Commissioner further directed the concerned departments to maintain strict vigil over quality and pricing of eatables, ensure proper sanitation and remove encroachments from market areas and other busy localities. The Municipal authorities were instructed to conduct pre and post-Diwali cleanliness drives and regulate roadside vendors to prevent congestion in market places.
Emphasizing food safety, the DC called for intensified market checking drives to curb adulteration in milk, sweets and other food items and directed immediate action against erring traders. The Legal Metrology department was asked to intensify checking of weighing and measuring instruments while Police and Traffic authorities were directed to ensure smooth vehicular movement and security of vital installations.
For effective ground-level monitoring, a joint committee comprising the Assistant Director FCS&CA Kathua, Tehsildar Kathua, Assistant Controller Legal Metrology, Food Safety Officer and TSO Kathua has been constituted to conduct market inspections, quality checks and monitor pricing of essential commodities during the festive season.
The ASP Kathua, Rahul Charak, informed the meeting that adequate police personnel will be deployed at all important locations and crowded areas to ensure a safe and secure environment during the celebrations.
Among others, ADC Kathua Vishavjeet Singh, SDM Hiranagar, Executive Engineers of line departments, CEO Municipal Council Kathua, EO Municipal Committees Lakhanpur and Parole, Assistant Director FCS&CA and other district and sectoral officers attended the meeting. ADCs Billawar and Basohli along with SDM Bani participated in the meeting through virtual mode.
